Serie A: Inter Milan reject Antonio Cassano's claim that he reneged on a promise made to him

Inter Milan head coach Walter Mazzarri has rejected Antonio Cassano's claim that he reneged on a promise made to him.

Last Updated: 05/07/13 12:51pm

Antonio Cassano: Said he was promised a starting berth

Cassano, 30, signed for Parma on a three-year contract on Wednesday after spending one season at San Siro, in which he scored seven league goals as Inter finished ninth in Serie A.

At Thursday's unveiling the Bari-born striker claimed new Inter boss Mazzarri had promised him a starting berth for the 2013-14 campaign, only to back out of the pledge and exclude Cassano from his plans.

Former Napoli coach Mazzarri denied the accusation, telling Inter's official website: "What I said to the club is exactly what I said when I held my (introductory) press conference.

"I haven't spoken to or about the players since then because I was waiting for the start of the season.

"I don't see how I can have decided who my first-choice players and squad players are before I've even had the chance to coach them.

"I'd like to put on record that the last time I spoke to Cassano was at the Inter v Napoli match in the first half of last season. On that occasion I just said hello to him on the pitch."